Virus on sons laptop

In_for_a_Bargain

My sons have had a virus on their laptop, (shows up as zipped files on MSN messeger) according to one of their mates. They ran some software and it went then came back again. They got rid of it again and my eldest says that it is back again. I think it is time they had some proper security on it as the one they downloaded obviously didn't work! Can anybody suggest a good downloadable one or a cheap but good one I can buy for them. Don't want to spend a fortune.

pchelpman

Go through the procedures set out in the first 4 posts to this thread to help remove any malware on the computer .....

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=133269


You need to make sure the computer is kitted out with good (free) antivirus and firewall at the minimum.

If you don't know what to install ask here but do the malware removal process first.

It wouldn't any harm if you posted a HijackThis log afterwards so we can see if there's any more obvious malware hiding.


PCH

In_for_a_Bargain

Thanks pchelpman, will get them to do as you suggest. Can you explain what you mean about the HijackThisLog thing as I don't understand. I know basically what I am doing with a computer but not all the complicated stuff!

pchelpman

No problem. It's a simple process.

Remember to do the "4 posts" procedure I linked to (above) THEN do this .....

Download Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2 here ……

http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/threat_analytics/HJTInstall.exe

• 
  
• Save HJTInstall.exe to your desktop.
  
  
• Doubleclick on the HJTInstall.exe icon on your desktop.
  
  
• By default it will install to C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis .
  
  
• Click on Install.
  
  
• It will create a HijackThis icon on the desktop.
  
  
• Once installed, it will launch Hijackthis.
  
  
• Click on the Do a system scan and save a logfile button. It will scan and the log should open in notepad.
  
  
• Click on "Edit > Select All" then click on "Edit > Copy" and Paste the entire contents of the log (no attachments) into your next post.

DO NOT use the ”AnalyseThis” button. Its findings are dangerous if misinterpreted.

DO NOT have Hijackthis fix anything yet. Most of what HJT lists will be harmless or even required by your Operating System. Someone will guide you on what to do next.


PCH